Mount Wachusett Community College entered a new era of sustainability with the addition of two 1.65 MW wind turbines. Activated in March 2011, the Vestas V82 turbines are expected to generate 97 percent of the college’s annual electricity demand, plus return an additional 30 percent of power back to the grid.

MWCC’s wind energy project is an integral component in the Massachusetts Leading by Example Program initiated by Gov. Deval Patrick to achieve statewide goals for clean and renewable energy.

The wind project is a collaboration between the college, and the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management, the Department of Energy Resources, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. The JK Scanlan Company, Inc. of Falmouth, Mass. served as general contractors, and numerous Massachusetts companies were involved in the construction.

The $9 million project is being funded through $3.2 million in U.S. Department of Energy grants, $2.1 million from a low interest Clean Renewal Energy Bond (CREB); and $3.7 million from Massachusetts Clean Energy Investment Bonds.

Mount Wachusett Community College entered a new era of sustainability with the addition of two 1.65 MW wind turbines. Activated in March 2011, the Vestas V82 turbines are expected to generate 97 percent of the college’s annual electricity demand, plus return an additional 30 percent of power back to the grid.

MWCC’s wind energy project is an integral component in the Massachusetts Leading by Example Program initiated by Gov. Deval Patrick to achieve statewide goals for clean and renewable energy.

The wind project is a collaboration between the college, and the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management, the Department of Energy Resources, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. The JK Scanlan Company, Inc. of Falmouth, Mass. served as general contractors, and numerous Massachusetts companies were involved in the construction.

The $9 million project is being funded through $3.2 million in U.S. Department of Energy grants, $2.1 million from a low interest Clean Renewal Energy Bond (CREB); and $3.7 million from Massachusetts Clean Energy Investment Bonds.

Background:

To implement its wind energy program, MWCC engaged in a number of studies:

A 50 meter meteorological tower was installed and comprehensive wind data was collected and analyzed.

With support from the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management, a consulting team was hired to perform a feasibility study: Several different turbines and ownership/financing options were studied. Detailed financial pro-formas were completed using several financing scenarios. The consulting team completed feasibility study concluding that was a one or two turbine project is feasible.

A US DOE grant was approved for the development of the project.

The study team was expanded to carry out the project permitting. Studies were undertaken including: avian studies, bat studies, visual simulation study, sound impact study, shadow flicker impact study and EMI impact study. Since US Department of Energy funds are being used for the project, permitting requirements included assessments under the National Environmental Permitting Act.